A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Pittsburgh for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a under-rated, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh are popular destinations, Pittsburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pittsburgh is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Pittsburgh is famous for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also well known for Mount Washington.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh and Hilton Head Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Pittsburgh specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is great for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is great for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

Families should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilton Head Island, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Pittsburgh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hilton Head Island that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pittsburgh than Hilton Head Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pittsburgh.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

With shopping and food around the beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the industrial destination of Pittsburgh. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Pittsburgh is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Pittsburgh. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Pittsburgh. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Pittsburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pittsburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pittsburgh and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Pittsburgh.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Pittsburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Pittsburgh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.